2026 Toyota CHR XSE
Table of Contents
338 HP Electric Comeback With Real Performance and 273 Mile Range
Nearly a decade ago, Toyota launched the CHR as a funky entry level subcompact SUV. The name stood for Coupe High Rider. It looked bold, drove slowly, and split opinions. In 2022, Toyota pulled the plug when the Corolla Cross arrived.
Now the CHR is back for 2026. And this time it is nothing like the old one.
The new Toyota CHR returns as a fully electric crossover with dual motors, standard all wheel drive, nearly 340 horsepower, and a claimed 0 to 60 mph time under 5 seconds. That is not a small upgrade. That is a complete personality change.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2026 CHR rides on Toyota’s e TNGA electric platform, the same architecture used in the Toyota bZ.
Key Specifications
74.7 kWh lithium ion battery pack
Dual motor all wheel drive
338 horsepower
323 lb ft of torque
0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds claimed
Tested runs as quick as 4.4 seconds
Top speed around 105 mph
Not rated for towing
Curb weight around 4,300 lbs
For context, the old CHR used a 2.0 litre four cylinder with 144 horsepower and front wheel drive. It needed around 11 seconds to reach 60 mph. This new one feels like it belongs to a completely different brand.
Put your foot down and it moves instantly. No gears. No delay. Just smooth, silent acceleration. It feels closer to a performance crossover than an entry level SUV.
The low center of gravity helps in corners. Body control stays tight. Steering feels quick, though feedback is light. Toyota did not include a dedicated sport mode, which feels like a small missed opportunity.
Range and Charging
Range matters more than badge names in the EV world.
SE trim rated up to 287 miles
XSE with 20 inch wheels rated at 273 miles
During testing at 85 percent charge, the display showed around 220 miles with climate off and about 210 miles with climate on. Climate use does impact range.
Charging Details
NACS J3400 charging port standard
Access to Tesla Supercharger network
150 kW DC fast charging capability
10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes
11 kW onboard AC charger
0 to 100 percent at home in roughly 7 hours
Toyota joining the Tesla charging standard is a big win for usability in North America.
For official technical reference, Toyota provides specifications through its US media site and product releases.
Exterior Design
Toyota’s latest hammerhead design language fits the CHR well. It looks sharper and more cohesive than the first generation.
Exterior Highlights
Standard LED headlights and DRLs
Blacked out Toyota badging
Full width LED rear light bar
Dual spoiler design
Hidden rear door handles
Available two tone roof
Exclusive colors including Tandoori and Overcast
Dimensions:
Length 177.9 inches
Wheelbase 108.3 inches
Ground clearance just under 8 inches
It is about 8 inches shorter than the Toyota bZ and slightly longer than the Corolla Cross. Think urban friendly but still practical.
The 20 inch wheels on the XSE look great, though the SE’s 18 inch setup may deliver slightly better ride comfort and range.
There is no rear wiper. Toyota says the roof angle keeps the glass clean enough.
Cargo Space and Practicality
The coupe like roof does affect cargo height, but space remains usable.
25.3 cubic feet behind rear seats
Around 59 cubic feet with seats folded
60 40 split rear seats
Underfloor storage
No spare tire
Standard power liftgate
For comparison, the Corolla Cross offers about 62 cubic feet maximum. So yes, you lose a bit of practicality for style.
Interior and Technology
The interior feels like a huge upgrade over the old CHR.
What You Get Standard
14 inch infotainment display
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Dual zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Dual wireless phone chargers
Power liftgate
Full Toyota Safety Sense suite
The 14 inch screen looks premium and is similar to systems found in Lexus products. Climate controls are integrated but still easy to use.
The 7 inch digital cluster sits high on the dash. It works, but the steering wheel can block part of the view depending on your position.
There is no glove box. Storage moves to a deep center console area instead.
XSE Adds
20 inch wheels
360 degree camera
Memory driver seat
Available JBL 9 speaker audio
Available panoramic glass roof
Heated rear seats with cold weather package
Rear legroom measures 32.2 inches. Headroom is tighter because of the sloping roof. Average adults fit fine. Taller passengers may prefer the Toyota bZ.
Driving Impressions
This is where the transformation becomes obvious.
The old CHR felt underpowered and economy focused. The new one feels playful.
Acceleration is strong and repeatable. The tested 0 to 60 times between 4.4 and 4.6 seconds match or even beat Toyota’s official 4.9 second claim.
Handling feels composed. The car stays flat through corners thanks to the battery placement. Steering is light but quick. Ride quality leans firm on the 20 inch wheels but remains daily usable.
At 55 mph, recorded sound levels around 57.5 dB indicate a reasonably quiet cabin for this segment.
Visibility is better than expected given the styling. Mirrors are large. The rear window does not feel overly restrictive.
Safety Features
Toyota includes a full suite of active safety features as standard, part of Toyota Safety Sense.
Standard features include:
Adaptive cruise control
Lane keeping assist
Blind spot monitoring
Automatic emergency braking
XSE models add lane change assist and traffic jam assist.
Toyota’s safety systems are documented through official Toyota product communications and NHTSA listings.
Pricing and Availability
SE starts at 37,000 dollars
XSE starts at 39,000 dollars
As tested example around 43,475 dollars
For context:
The Toyota bZ starts lower in base form but costs more when equipped with dual motor all wheel drive and larger battery.
The Subaru Uncharted starts around 35,000 dollars in front wheel drive form, but all wheel drive versions approach or exceed the CHR’s pricing.
Toyota says the 2026 CHR reaches dealerships in March. It is built in Japan.
Ownership: Resale, Reliability, Warranty
Toyota consistently ranks high in reliability studies, including long term brand rankings from sources such as Consumer Reports and J D Power.
Resale estimates suggest:
Around 64.5 percent retained value after 5 years
Around 41.4 percent after 10 years
Warranty coverage:
3 year 36,000 mile basic warranty
5 year 60,000 mile powertrain warranty
8 year 100,000 mile battery warranty
2 years or 25,000 miles complimentary maintenance
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Toyota CHR is not a mild update. It is a complete reboot.
It delivers:
Real performance
Strong standard equipment
Modern tech
Competitive pricing for dual motor AWD
Yes, it costs about 12,000 dollars more than the old gas model did in 2022. But that comparison does not really make sense anymore. This car sits in a different league.
If you liked the CHR’s style but hated its slow engine, this version fixes that problem aggressively.
The bigger question is simple: do you want a compact electric crossover that looks sporty and actually drives that way?
For many buyers, the answer may finally be yes.
Sources and References
Official Toyota Sources
Toyota C-HR Official Model Page
https://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/c-hr/Toyota Press Release — 2026 C-HR BEV Debut
https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-debuts-stylish-powerful-2026-c-hr-battery-electric-vehicle/Toyota EV Warranty Overview
https://www.toyota.com/electrified-vehicles/warranty/Toyota North America Press Room Homepage
https://pressroom.toyota.com/
Additional Trusted References
CarsDirect 2026 Toyota C-HR Preview
https://www.carsdirect.com/toyota/c-hr/2026The Verge — Toyota C-HR EV Details
https://www.theverge.com/transportation/880395/toyota-chr-ev-price-range-specsToyota Press Release — 2026 Toyota C-HR Overview
https://pressroom.toyota.com/2026-toyota-c-hr-puts-sporty-stylish-spin-on-the-compact-electric-suv/
